asked the Minister for Education what are the present educational facilities for deaf children up to the age of 14 years in Dublin; if his Department have any figures regarding the number of such children; and whether any improvement in existing facilities is planned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Educational Facilities for Deaf Children.
39.
Mr. O'Leary
There are three schools for the deaf and hard-of-hearing in Dublin city. St. Mary's school in Cabra caters for girls, Mary Immaculate School in Stillorgan for infant boys and St. Joseph's in Cabra for senior boys. The total enrolment at these schools is 500, about 360 of whom are under 14 years of age.
Special classes for hard-of-hearing children are attached to four national schools in the city.
No census has been taken which would show the total number of deaf children in Dublin.
The educational facilities available for deaf children are under constant review. In the case of St. Joseph's, Cabra, plans for a new school for those being educated on the manual system have been drawn up on the basis that the school will be a Bantile structure. Building is expected to begin within a matter of months. Since 1964-65 full cost grants for auditory equipment have been made available to all schools for the deaf together with an annual grant towards the repair and maintenance of this equipment.
Mr. O'Leary
Are there any arrangements made for travel facilities to these schools for children living in different parts of the city?
Does the Deputy mean a subsidised form of travel?
Mr. O'Leary
Yes.
I do not think so.